At Vets for Life, we see too many heartbreaking cases that could have been prevented with proper vaccinations. Every month, we treat dogs suffering from diseases like parvovirus and distemper – illnesses that are completely preventable with the right vaccines at the right time.
This guide will help you understand everything you need to know about keeping your dog healthy through vaccination. We’ll cover what vaccines your dog actually needs, when to get them, and how to navigate the confusing world of vaccination schedules.
Think of vaccines like insurance policies. Some are absolutely essential for every dog, while others depend on your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors.
These vaccines protect against diseases that can kill or severely harm any dog, regardless of whether they live indoors or spend time outside.
This virus is incredibly dangerous, especially for puppies. It attacks the intestines, causing severe bloody diarrhea and vomiting. Without treatment, most infected puppies die within days. Even with intensive care, many don’t survive.
The virus is extremely tough – it can survive in soil for months, even in Singapore’s heat and humidity. A tiny amount on your shoes or clothes can infect an unvaccinated dog.
Distemper starts like a cold but quickly becomes deadly. It attacks the lungs, brain, and nervous system. Infected dogs develop seizures, paralysis, and brain damage. There’s no cure, and most dogs don’t recover.
This virus damages the liver and can cause sudden death. Dogs may develop yellowing of the eyes and gums, similar to human hepatitis. Some dogs also get a cloudy “blue eye” appearance.
Read more: What Dog Vaccines Are Absolutely Necessary
These vaccines protect against diseases that some dogs are more likely to encounter based on where they go and what they do.
This bacterial infection has become increasingly common in Singapore. Dogs catch it from rat urine, which is unfortunately everywhere in our urban environment – in drains, puddles, and grass areas. In early 2024, multiple dogs in the Upper Thomson area got leptospirosis, with several requiring emergency treatment.
The disease causes kidney and liver failure. Worse yet, it can spread from dogs to humans, putting your whole family at risk. We strongly recommend this vaccine for all dogs that go outside, even just for walks.
This is like the common cold for dogs – highly contagious but usually not life-threatening. However, it causes weeks of persistent coughing that disturbs sleep and can develop into pneumonia.
We recommend this vaccine for dogs that go to doggy daycare or boarding, visit dog parks regularly, or meet many other dogs during walks.
Singapore has been rabies-free since 1953, so this vaccine isn’t necessary unless you’re traveling overseas with your dog.
The timing of vaccinations is crucial. Too early, and they won’t work properly. Too late, and your dog remains vulnerable to deadly diseases.
8 Weeks Old: First Vaccines
Your puppy can start their vaccine series at 8 weeks old. Before this age, antibodies from their mother interfere with the vaccines, making them less effective.
Every 2-4 Weeks Until 16 Weeks
Puppies need booster shots every few weeks because we don’t know exactly when their mother’s antibodies wear off. This overlapping schedule ensures they’re protected during this vulnerable period.
Important Safety Rules:
Annual Boosters for Every Vaccine: Not Always Necessary
The old rule of “yearly shots for everything” is outdated. Modern vaccines often provide immunity lasting 3-5 years for core diseases.
Antibody Testing: A Smarter Approach
Instead of automatic annual vaccines, we can test your dog’s blood to see if they still have protection. Called “VacciCheck,” this simple blood test gives results in about an hour and can save you money while avoiding unnecessary vaccines.
Still Need Annual Boosters:
If you adopt an adult dog with no vaccine records, don’t panic. We’ll give them two doses of core vaccines spaced 2-4 weeks apart, then maintain them on a regular schedule based on their lifestyle.
Read more: Puppy and Dog Vaccinations: A Schedule for Every Life Stage
Most dogs handle vaccines very well, but it’s normal to worry about side effects. Here’s what to expect and when to be concerned.
These reactions show that your dog’s immune system is responding properly to the vaccine.
These reactions are extremely rare (less than 1 in 10,000 vaccines), but require immediate emergency care.
Read more: Care for Your Pet After Vaccination
Living in Singapore creates specific health risks that affect vaccination recommendations.
Unlike countries with cold winters that kill off viruses and bacteria, Singapore’s constant warmth means disease-causing germs survive all year long. This means:
Singapore’s high-density living creates unique exposure situations:
Shared spaces mean your dog encounters traces from many other pets. If even one unvaccinated dog has been sick in these areas, the contamination can persist for months.
Parks like Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park and East Coast Park see hundreds of dogs weekly. While great for socialization, they’re also hotspots for disease transmission if vaccination rates drop.
Heavy rains create standing water perfect for leptospirosis bacteria. The same puddles your dog loves to explore can harbor deadly infections.
Every dog is different, and their vaccination needs depend on several factors.
Your dog needs more comprehensive vaccination if they:
Dogs with minimal exposure might safely extend some vaccine intervals:
Puppies and Senior Dogs
Very young and very old dogs have weaker immune systems, making vaccination both more important and potentially more challenging.
Dogs with Health Problems
If your dog has cancer, autoimmune disease, or takes medications that affect immunity, we’ll need to carefully time their vaccines.
Pregnant Dogs
Pregnant dogs should be up-to-date on vaccines before breeding, but we avoid vaccinating during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary.
Vaccination works best as part of a comprehensive health plan.
Annual exams let us catch problems early and ensure vaccines are working properly. We’ll also check for:
Monthly heartworm, flea, and tick prevention works alongside vaccines to keep your dog healthy. These parasites can carry diseases that vaccines don’t protect against.
A healthy immune system responds better to vaccines. Proper nutrition and regular exercise help your dog build strong immunity.
Keep vaccination records easily accessible, especially if you travel or need emergency care. Digital copies stored in your phone make this simple.
Check out Vets for Life’s wide range of pet services to ensure complete health protection for your dog.
👉Natural infection does provide strong immunity – if your dog survives. Diseases like parvovirus kill 80-90% of unvaccinated puppies. Vaccines give immunity without the life-threatening risk.
👉 Vaccines undergo extensive safety testing before approval. Serious reactions are extremely rare, while the diseases they prevent are often fatal.
👉 Yes. You can bring viruses home on your clothes and shoes. Emergency vet visits, grooming, or unexpected boarding situations also create exposure risks.
👉 Don’t panic. Contact us to discuss the best catch-up schedule. Most vaccines provide some protection even past their official due dates.
👉 Price doesn’t always indicate quality. We choose vaccines based on proven effectiveness, safety records, and suitability for Singapore’s climate and disease risks.
Read more: Dog Vaccinations FAQs: What Every Pet Owner Should Know
Vaccination is simple, affordable, and incredibly effective at preventing serious diseases. The decisions aren’t complicated: core vaccines are essential for every dog, while lifestyle vaccines depend on your pet’s specific risk factors.
Singapore’s tropical climate and urban environment create unique challenges, but they also provide excellent veterinary care infrastructure. Take advantage of this by working with experienced veterinarians who understand local disease risks and can tailor recommendations to your dog’s individual needs.
The small investment in proper vaccination pays enormous dividends through years of healthy companionship. More importantly, it gives you peace of mind knowing you’ve protected your beloved pet from preventable suffering.
Contact Vets for Life today to discuss a vaccination plan tailored to your pet’s needs and lifestyle. Our experienced team understands Singapore’s unique challenges and will help you make the best decisions for your dog’s health.
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